Nintendo Wii Fanboy

Wow, that looks just my Wii console after my parents came over and criticized me for spending so much on video games...uh, I think I've said too much.

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Michael C. Sherrin
http://www.prodigeek.com/

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this thing is definitely banned in england

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Hey guys, lets win a TV that we cant play our Wii on because of image burn.

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I entered the contest yesterday. It looks like the sales tax on the grand prize would be above $300, so 'winning' this could be pretty expensive. Personally, that Wii doesn't look that exciting, so I'd probably sell it to pay off the tax - free 50" plasma!

JIB, I played the Wii for 30 to 40 hours on a plasma TV over the summer, no image burn whatsoever.

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THIS IS WRONG ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAX US IF WE WON.

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Why? Taxation is placed on all earnings of this kind. Whether you win the lottery, win prizes on The Price Is Right, or simply earn interest on savings bonds, you pay tax on it.

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Damn... What happens when I win this... and can't afford to win this?

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Well then, thats good to know seeing how Im thinking of buying an HDTV. BTW were you using the component cable?

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Yep, got an official Nintendo component cable for $5.99 on sale online somewhere months back. It definitely makes a difference on the HDTV, though the Wii does look more aliased with the pixels blown up like that. But playing MP3 in progressive scan 16:9 on 50" was still REALLY impressive!

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If you're not old enough to understand how taxes work (yes, you have to pay taxes on winnings), then you're not old enough to play Manhunt.

"M for mature" not "M for 'My mom drives me to middle school.'"

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"M for mature" not "M for 'My mom drives me to middle school.'"

Best comment I've seen all day. :)

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I want blood and guts on my Wii. But the look would only work for this time of year. Now the winning things and paying tax on it is true to an extent. I have won some things and didn't have to pay taxes on it. I think the value of the winnings has to be over a certain amount before taxes are charged. Just look at the lottery If you win like a hundred bucks then I have never had to pay taxes on it but if you hit a big jackpot like a grand or so then yeah you are taxed.

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@#10

Just because something works a certain doesn't make it right. Taxation on earnings is disruptive to economic development in a way that taxation on spending wouldn't be. It also discourages personal savings and aids in pushing people to the edge of their viability--a la the recent sub prime crash.

Mr. All Caps does sound a bit young, but that doesn't make him wrong.

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"THIS IS WRONG ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAX US IF WE WON."

Does that really strike you as the response of a person who is concerned with economic development?

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Discouraging savings is exactly what we need to spur economic spending and prevent a recession. Plus, if someone is spending it someone is earning it - how can taxing one be okay but not the other?

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@14: What if he isn't? 95% of the country doesn't think in those terms. His gut reaction still has merit.

@15: While it's true that you can rack up temporary economic gains by encouraging reckless spending (a favorite of most administrations since they get to take credit for the gain and be gone before it's time to pay the piper), the negative effects like bankruptcy far outweigh the benefits. It's dangerous and reckless short-term thinking. Everyone who spreads themselves too thin eventually either takes cover in legal protections that cost the economy, or they go straight to the government for aid and assistance, and all the gains we got by getting them to max out their credit cards disappear. Money saved also doesn't disappear from the markets--usually people attempt to earn some form of return, leading to economic investment that has a long and strong impact.

Also, 1) you are somewhat wrong in saying that because you're spending money (on an annual basis--people can spend money they've earned in prior years, or money they flat out inherited at birth) you must have earned it, and 2) it is different because you get to choose what taxes to pay and WHEN. Say you can't afford the tax rates this year--you can cut down on your tax burden by cutting back on discretionary spending. Later on when things are looking up, you may choose to ramp up spending--possibly even spending money you earned in prior years. The choice provides additional incentive for people to think through their finances, and to cushion themselves rather than depending on you and me to do it for them.

On top of which people who have massive wealth (inherited from the earnings of others, for instance) but are not massive earners usually end up getting a pass on taxes since this country chooses to tax earnings on the national level.

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People just love picking on suspected youngins. what kind of maturity is that? im sure i wouldnt talk to my grandchildren like that if they wanted help in their multiplication skills. what would you say, "aw, you n00b, you don't belong in this world because you were born after i was."

no one likes paying taxes. give em a break.

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@JC: Are you sure we're not grandparents? =v)

http://img103.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dale3rd3.jpg

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